Finding the Best Espresso Machine
By pressing one button, a great espresso machine can produce drinks that rival those you can find in cafes. However, choosing the right machine is dependent on your requirements and your level of skill.
Fully automated machines can do everything for you. However, they are expensive and don't allow you to experiment. Manual models let you manage the process of brewing however they are more likely to mess up.
1. Wacaco Picopresso
Wacaco Picopresso, a portable espresso machine that produces a double shot is among the top choices. It's not the cheapest machine but it's a high-quality machine and comes with a two-year guarantee. It's also among the most advanced of the Wacaco coffee makers. It's the least expensive, but the best at making espresso.
Picopresso does not rely on electricity, but relies on a hand pump to create pressure of up to 18 bar. This is enough to make an espresso double shot with a thick, rich crema it's far superior to what you can expect from many third-wave cafes. The device is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, and has a stylish faux leather sleeve which helps to keep the Picopresso cooler when you're using it for extractions.
It's the smallest of Wacaco's manual espresso machines, but it feels substantial in your hands. The machine is constructed from a mixture of metal and robust parts. The accessories are durable as well. It comes with a tamper that is ergonomically made of stainless-steel funnel, a brush, plus an instrument for distribution made of plastic to aid in getting an even puck as well as the perfect extraction pressure.
You won't find any fancy steam wands or milk bottles on this model, but it does include mirrors so that you can observe your bottomless filter extractions in peace. This is a nice addition that fits in with Picopresso’s philosophy of being a traveler-friendly product. Picopresso stands can be utilized at home to brew.
This lets you pre-heat the piston and pump hot water through it prior to when you start brewing your espresso. It's a good idea because it ensures that you get the most benefit from your Picopresso by getting all of the essential oils out of your ground coffee. It's worth noting that using the Picopresso can be time-consuming, especially if you follow Wacaco's recommendations for weighting your beans and changing the tamping pressure to achieve a perfect espresso every time.
2. Rancilio Silvia
The Rancilio Silvia espresso machine is an excellent choice for those who want to learn how to make espresso. This single boiler, semi-automatic espresso machine is renowned for its longevity and durability. Many reviewers compare it to the Gaggia Classic Pro and claim that its coffee is of similar quality. The stainless cup tray made of steel and the steam wand feature a sleek design that will complement any kitchen decor.
This coffee maker comes with a brass boiler capable of reaching the ideal temperature for brewing espresso. It also has a thermostat to prevent the boiler from overheating. The Silvia comes with an insulated steam wand which allows you to create creamy, rich steamed milk for cappuccinos and macchiatos. The brewing system also has durable materials that are easy-to-clean and maintain.
The user-friendliness is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing an espresso machine. The Silvia is designed with a streamlined portafilter as well as an easy, four-rocker switch interface that makes it easy to operate. It also comes with a removable water reservoir and drip tray that are easy to clean. The machine also comes with a safety feature that switches the heating element off after it has been running for 30 minutes.
The soft infusion feature is another feature that makes the Silvia stand apart from other espresso machines. This feature reduces the amount of pressure applied to the ground coffee during brewing, which helps to preserve and enhance the taste of the beans. It is available in two settings that can be altered according to the type of espresso you're making.
Espresso enthusiasts can upgrade the Silvia to increase its functionality. This machine comes with a shot-timer and an adjustable pressure pump but it can be used with many aftermarket accessories including PID controllers.
The Rancilio Silvia is a great espresso machine for novices and experienced baristas too. Its basic design doesn't allow for the customization needed by more sophisticated espresso makers, yet it still makes excellent espresso. It's also a great choice for those seeking to improve their barista skills by providing the feedback required to create better shots each time.
3. Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus may be an basic machine, but it comes with the features professional baristas desire. It has a powerful steam wand that can make microfoam for lattes that are latte art. It also comes with a top-quality metal tamper and stainless steel top article milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The Bambino Plus has a PID temperature controller that keeps the temperature at a constant level for consistent results.
The Bambino Plus is compact. It's among the slimmest single-boiler espresso machines available, which makes it perfect for small spaces. It is also ready to heat up in less than three seconds, meaning it's ready to use when you hit the button. This is the same technology that Breville used for its Oracle line, which means you'll get a high-tech espresso machine at a reasonable cost.
The Bambino Plus, like its siblings, is a well-built machine that is simple to operate and clean. It comes in brushed stainless, which gives it a sleek appearance and feel, all at an affordable price. It includes a portafilter as well as an stainless-steel milk jug.
This is a great price for espresso machines and is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their morning routine while not spending a fortune. This is the cheapest espresso maker that produces cafe quality espresso and steamed-milk at home. It's also the easiest to use and is easy to clean.
The Bambino Plus does not come with grinder. However, you can use any grinder that is espresso-quality. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with an option for pre-infusion but you can solve this issue by running hot water through the portafilter several times before grabbing one shot. It's also important to flush and descale the boiler on a regular basis to keep it working smoothly. As long as you flush it on a regular basis and follow the directions you're given, you shouldn't have any issues with maintenance or scale buildup. However, if you want to make certain, you can purchase a descaler for a small price online.
4. Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series comes with many great features. It's an excellent choice for those who want to get into espresso making but doesn't want to invest a lot of money. The machine is priced less than half as much as our second choice, the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige. It can still make delicious drinks. However it's not as good as the Cadorna comes with a number of coffee options including 4 user profiles for saving drinks, as well as a more powerful grinder, but it's often in sale, so you could be able to find it for less.
This machine is perfect for those who love cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks, but don't require a large selection of espresso flavors. It also makes good Iced coffee which is becoming more and more popular in coffee machines for home use. The 3200 features a specific coffee brewing feature that makes use of a lower temperature for iced coffee to keep the flavor from being diluted.
The Philips 3200, like other machines in this list can be used with whole and ground beans. It has a large hopper for both and is easy to fill. You can also adjust the grind size to match your preferences. The machine also comes with an easy bypass doser for those who do not want to brew decaf, but want their caffeine fix.
If you prefer milk-based drinks If you like milk-based drinks, Philips has a LatteGo system that can serve heated or frothed milk on demand. This is a big selling point for the machine since it is among the easiest to use milk frothing systems available. It can also heat and froth different milks, like almond, soy and oat.
It's not the quietest machine, but it's quieter than many other options. It's not as loud as an espresso machine, but it's comparable to what you'd find in the local coffee shop. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. This can be lowered by changing the settings.